Super foods to power your super semester

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons

Crystal Fernandez / Staff Writer

Exams and quizzes have already begun and by now you probably have at least one due date for a major paper. The sleepless nights become endless and the pressure builds up. It leaves us wishing that there was a way to get through the week.

Well, the foods you eat can help a lot. As a matter of fact, there are a few delicious, natural foods that can help you concentrate more. A healthy diet is one based on variety. All foods have different nutritional value and provide certain health benefits for the human body. There are some foods that are healthier and better used for a specific bodily functions and more specifically, the mind.

Here is a list of superfoods to sharpen your mind:

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are  a great source of antioxidants because they contain lycopene and Vitamin C. They are good for the brain because they help protect against free radical damage to cells. For an on-the-go snack, take a tomato and cut it in half. Add a pinch of salt and eat it like an apple or an orange. After all, it is a fruit.

Almonds

Phenylalanine, which is an amino acid found in almonds, has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier where it stimulates the brain to induce adrenaline. Almonds are also high in riboflavin, which is known to boost memory. So, keep a pack of almonds in your bag and enjoy a healthy snack during those late-night study sessions.

Berries

To enhance cognition, coordination and memory munch on some berries.  Blueberries improve the potency of neuron signals. They are also known as the “brain berry,” and are considered a super food when eaten in their natural form.

Eggs

Eggs are a great source of high quality proteins and are rich in vitamins and minerals. A nutrient called choline, found in eggs, improves the memory center in the brain. Choline has been found to increase the size of neurons, which helps them fire strong electrical signals.

Brains need proper nourishment. This nourishment is vital to creative thought, positive mood, memory and good overall health. It’s no surprise that your diet affects how you think, feel and remember. Get creative and prepare combinations that are easy to snack on when you need a little boost.